Celebrated as the American Rhine, the majestic Hudson River flows more than three hundred miles from its source high in the Adirondack Mountains to New York Harbor. Lining its banks are the marks of the four hundred years of history that have transpired since Henry Hudson piloted the Half Moon north from New Amsterdam in 1609. Today the river and the surrounding valley are protected as a National Heritage Area by the National Park Service.

This stunning photographic journey explores the Hudson River's historic riverfront towns, stately mansions, public parks, and pristine wilderness. The images follow the course of the river and are paired with writings and poetry by such distinguished writers as Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, and Robert Caro.

First published in a deluxe edition in 1996, this unique presentation is now accessible to all who admire the beauty and power of this magnificent landscape....

Long Island's North Fork is a pastoral quilt of vineyards and farms by the sea. To the north are the sandy beaches of Long Island Sound and on the south a collection of harbors and fishing villages overlooking Peconic Bay. Stretching out some thirty miles from the mainland, this narrow peninsula is a place of serenity and beauty.

Renowned photographer Jake Rajs has captured the spirit of the North Fork--the glorious color of sunrise and sunset, the calm waters, and the vast expanses of fields and wetlands. He focuses on architectural landmarks as well–-the Victorian houses on Shelter Island, eighteenth-century barns, the Orient Point Lighthouse–-to create a complete portrait of this unspoiled land....